Watching this film is almost as interesting as going to a state fair, for nothing seems to be neglected during the week in which it is supposed to take place. It is a homey tale, with many an intriguing bit. The outcome of some of the incidents may be anticipated, but that does not mitigate against them. In fact, when Melissa Frake, Abel Frake’s sensible wife, wins first prizes with her pickles, jams and mincemeat there was probably not a soul among those who crowded into the big theater yesterday who did not feel highly pleased, even though they well knew that Abel had poured brandy into the mincemeat and Mrs. Frake had flavored it still further with the same stimulant.

…. Mr. Rogers is excellent in his role. Frank Craven supplies some well-spoken lines. Mr. Foster is a bit too intelligent to be convincing as the rustic Wayne. Louise Dresser is highly satisfactory as Mrs. Frake and Victor Jory is good as a barker. Lew Ayres is sympathetic as Gilbert.

“State Fair” is also worth noting if you remember the controversy a while back about how movie titles were just boring lists of names. “State Fair” uses a billboard for the credits:

And another billboard appears at the end. No fade out on the final embrace of Lew Ayres and Janet Gaynor.

Instead, the “State Fair” billboard slowly peels away to reveal…

… “The End.”

For Monday, we have a mystery gent. He most heartily approves of such goings-on.

Update: This is Harry Holman as one of the hog judges. One of the other judges (Hobart Cavanaugh) lacked sufficient mysteriousness.

For Tuesday, we have a mystery guest from the animal kingdom.

Update: This is Dike of Rosedale as Blue Boy.

We also have a mystery gent. Our leading lady has been cropped out due to her insufficient mysteriousness. She will appear Friday.

Update: This is “nice guy but not her type” Frank Melton.

Brain Trust roll call: Mike Hawks (Monday’s mystery gent), Patrick (Monday’s mystery gent) and Mark Alan Vieira (Monday’s mystery gent). I don’t always say this, but I appreciate the level of research that goes into the Brain Trust’s detective work in identifying the mystery movies. Your film knowledge is most impressive!

Months ago I looked him up on IMDb after seeing him in Turn Back the Clock. And promptly forgot his name. Today I saw your post. For an hour I went through pre-Code films, title by title, looking for a credit. I gave up. Then, hours later, when I woke up from a nap, I heard a voice. “Harry. My name is Harry. Harry Holman.”

The film is State Fair 1933
Mon. – Harry Holman
Tues. – Dike of Rosedale (an actual State Fair winning hog) as Blue Boy
and I found a shot from a different angle on the guy, who I think must be Fran Melton.

Louise Dresser who’s so great in THE GOOSE WOMAN and Norman Foster. Janet Gaynor would be our unseen mystery woman yesterday. I’m going to the SFSFF so hope to answer the next few days. Of course I know that Will Rogers, Janet Gaynor, and Lew Ayres will come into play, if not others.

I think our film this week is the 1933 Will Rogers version of State Fair.
Monday might be Harry Holman
Tues we might have Dike of Rosedale as our mystery hog, Blue Boy.
Wed our in the window lady is Louise Dresser
Wed our naty gent is Norman Foster

Just realized that on Tuesday you indicated a mystery woman (who will also arrive Friday) so that must be Janet Gaynor.

By the way, the Dike of Rosedale was my big clue to the movie, because I recalled seeing Ozzie Nelson sing “More Than Just a Friend” on some variety show years ago. Mr. Nelson explained that this ‘love song to a pig’ was from the musical State Fair. That memory set me on the trail of movie versions of State Fair. Ahh…the things that come back to you.